Friday, March 27, 2009

Global warmth begins with sunlight. When light from the Sun reaches the Earth, roughly 30 percent of it is reflected back into space by clouds, atmospheric particles, reflective ground surfaces, and even ocean surf. The remaining 70 percent of the light is absorbed by the land, air, and oceans, heating our planet’s surface and atmosphere and making life on Earth possible. Solar energy does not stay bound up in Earth’s environment forever. Instead, as the rocks, the air, and the sea warm, they emit thermal radiation, or infrared heat. Much of this thermal radiation travels directly out to space, allowing Earth to cool.Some of this outgoing radiation, however, is re-absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases in the atmosphere (called greenhouse gases because of their heat-trapping capacity) and is then re-radiated back toward the Earth’s surface. On the whole, this re-absorption process is good. If there were no greenhouse gases or clouds in the atmosphere, the Earth’s average surface temperature would be a very chilly -18°C (0°F) instead of the comfortable 15°C (59°F) that it is today.What has scientists concerned now is that over the past 250 years humans have been artificially raising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at an ever-increasing rate. By 2004, humans were pumping out over 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. Some of it was absorbed by “sinks” like forests or the ocean, and the rest accumulated in the atmosphere. We produce millions of pounds of methane by allowing our trash to decompose in landfills and by breeding large herds of methane-belching cattle. Nitrogen-based fertilizers and other soil management practices lead to the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.Once these greenhouse gases get into the atmosphere, they stay there for decades or longer. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), since the industrial revolution began in about 1750, carbon dioxide levels have increased 35 percent and methane levels have increased 148 percent. Scientists have very high confidence that the increased concentrations of greenhouse gases have made it more difficult for thermal radiation to leave the Earth, and as a result, Earth has warmed.

How could anyone abuse a defenseless child? Most of us can’t imagine what would make an adult abuse a child. The worse the behavior is, the more unimaginable it seems. Yet sadly, child abuse is much more common then you might think. Child abuse cuts across social classes and all ethnicities. And the abuse overwhelmingly is at the hands of those who are supposed to be protecting the child- the parents. Child abuse happens in many different ways, but the result is the same- serious physical or emotional harm. Physical or sexual abuse may be the most striking types of abuse, since they often unfortunately leave physical evidence behind. However, emotional abuse and neglect are serious types of child abuse that are often more subtle and difficult to spot. Child neglect is the most common type of child abuse. There are many complicated factors that lead to child abuse. Risk factors for child abuse include:

History of child abuse: Unfortunately, the patterns we learn in childhood are often what we use as parents. Without treatment and insight, sadly, the cycle of child abuse often continues.

Stress and lack of support: Parenting can be a very time intensive, difficult job. Parents caring for children without support from family, friends or the community can be under a lot of stress. Teen parents often struggle with the maturity and patience needed to be a parent. Caring for a child with a disability, special needs or difficult behaviors is also a challenge. Caregivers who are under financial or relationship stress are at risk as well.

Alcohol or drug abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse lead to serious lapses in judgment. They can interfere with impulse control making emotional and physical abuse more likely. Due to impairment caused by being intoxicated, alcohol and drug abuse frequently lead to child neglect.

Domestic violence: Witnessing domestic violence in the home, as well as the chaos and instability that is the result, is emotional abuse to a child. Frequently domestic violence will escalate to physical violence against the child as well.

All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self and ability to have healthy relationships. One of the most painful effects of child abuse is its tendency to repeat itself. One of every three abused or neglected children will grow up to become an abusive parent. You may be reluctant to interfere in someone’s family, but you can make a huge difference in a child’s life if you do. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate the cycle.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. This growth may lead to metastasis, which is the invasion of adjacent tissue and infiltration beyond the lungs. The vast majority of primary lung cancers are carcinomas of the lung, derived from epithelial cells. Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women (after breast cancer) is responsible for million deaths worldwide annually. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing (including coughing out blood), and weight loss.The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. This distinction is important, because the treatment varies; non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is sometimes treated with surgery, while small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) usually responds better to chemotherapy and radiation. The most common cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to tobacco smoke. The occurrence of lung cancer in nonsmokers, who account for as many as 15% of cases, is often attributed to a combination of genetic factor, radon gas, asbestos and air pollution, including secondhand smoke.Sign and symptoms sometimes seen in lung cancer:· A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time· Chest pain that doesn't go away· Coughing up blood· Feeling short of breath· Wheezing· Losing your voice (hoarseness)· Getting sick with pneumonia and bronchitis a lot· Swollen neck and face· Not hungry, losing weight without trying· Feeling tiredPeople with these symptoms could have lung cancer, or it could be something else. If you have these symptoms, your best bet is to see your family physician. The doctor can say for sure what's causing the symptoms and how to treat them.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Originally, Wally Amos, a true cookie lover, baked cookies in his home to share with his friends. In 1975, he perfected his special recipe to create the ultimate chocolate chip cookie. He then started his own company with the commitment to use only the best ingredients, like rich chocolate and flavorful nuts. Those homemade-tasting cookies were so special that they got famous just by word of mouth. Today, Famous Amos cookies still meet these high standards and are enjoyed by all true cookie lovers. So, enjoy the special recipe and homemade taste that made Amos famous!!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I have read one article about amnesia and from the article that i’ve read, i can conclude that amnesia is a short term memory condition in which memory is disturbed. In simple terms it is the loss of memory. The causes of amnesia are organic or functional. Organic causes include damage to the brain, through trauma or disease, or use of certain (generally sedative) drugs. Functional causes are psychological factors, such as defense mechanisms. Hysterical post-traumatic amnesia is an example of this. Amnesia may also be spontaneous, in the case of transient global amnesia. This global type of amnesia is more common in middle-aged to elderly people, particularly males, and usually lasts less than 24 hours. Another effect of amnesia is the inability to imagine the future. Amnesiacs with damaged hippocampus cannot imagine the future. This is because when a normal human being imagines the future, they use their past experiences to construct a possible scenario. For example, a person who would try to imagine what would happen at a party that would occur in the near future would use their past experience at parties to help construct the event.

Having straight teeth is important. Teeth that are crooked or out of place (misaligned) affect the way a person chews and talks and how their smile looks. Because they have unnatural spaces, crooked teeth are harder to clean and are more likely to have cavities.In some cases, crooked teeth can affect the way the jaws line up and can cause pain and discomfort.One method to correct this is to have Orthodontic treatment (or braces and retainers as they are sometimes called). Orthodontic treatment works by exerting a gentle pressure over time to straighten teeth that are growing, or have already grown, out of place.Braces have three basic parts:1) Brackets - brackets that are attached to each tooth2) Bonding or band - the material that attaches the bracket to the tooth3) Arch Wire - a thin metal wire that runs from bracket to bracketBraces have come a long way from the "train track" look of years ago. Today, many orthodontic patients can get braces that attach to the backs of the teeth, or use transparent brackets.A retainer is a custom-made, removable appliance that helps keep teeth in their new, straightened position after braces have been removed. Retainers can also be used to treat more minor orthodontic problems.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

I have read this article and it is very important for me to share to all my friends and all buddies...especially for student, it is very useful for u....

The food we eat affects uor body, and that includes our brain. Good nutrition is needed for the brain to receive nourishment. Only then will the brain receive a regular healthy supply of blood and oxygen, and be in prime condition.

What is good for our brain?

WATER: Water is a main component in the human body and makes up more than two-thirds of the body. It facilitates communication within the brain and the central nervous system because it is an efficient conductor of electrical and chemical energy. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day will keep you alert and is supposed to help you improve your memory. It is best to drink water at room temperature, in small doses, throughout the day.

FISH: Fish provides us with the ingredients which help in the development of human intelligence and genius. The flesh and oils from cold-water fish are good for the brain. Avoid shellfish, however. Some cold-water fish include: salmon, tuna, mackerel, anchovy, lake trout, bluefish, and herring.

What food is not good for our brain?

SHELLFISH: may contain oceanic toxins and pollutants, and it is best to keep clear of them.

MEAT: can take quite some time to digest. Pork and beef take the longest time to digest, and turkey inherently contains a chemical which makes you feel sleepy. If you are to stay alert after a meal, with your concentration at peak level, it is best not to eat them. Take chicken instead. Meat can also contain synthetic chemicals. Wild meat and game are free from synthetic chemicals, and can be very good.

PROCESSED SUGAR: and products made from it are harmful for a person’s memory. The immune system is weakened, as the ability to resist and fight infection is greatly reduced. When you take processed sugar, insulin in the blood is churned up, the pancreas goes wild, and a sugar rush occurs. This results in "high highs" followed by a "crash" which leads to depression. Your ability to focus and your memory will suffer. Sugar in natural form is either labeled molasses or muscovado, and it can be found naturally in fruits.

COFFEE AND TEA: If you drink coffee to keep awake for an examination, you may have to think twice. Drinking several cups of coffee and tea a day will have a diuretic effect where essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium are flushed out of one’s system. Caffeine, the stimulant that keeps you awake, is known to raise blood pressure, and can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Consistently high blood pressure can do great harm to the brain, heart and kidneys.

SOFT DRINKS: These drinks contain a lot of processed sugar, and a regular high intake can lead to hypoglycemia or Attention Deficit Disorder. The latter is an affliction that has struck numerous children who are inherently bright, but unable to maintain concentration in the classroom. Water and fresh fruit or vegetable drinks are desirable alternatives to soft drinks.

ALCOHOL: Unless taken in moderation, it ravages the brain cells and impedes the immune system. When the immune system is not allowed to function properly, a person’s ability to recall information can be adversely affected.